Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies)

[SqzMyLemon]

Thanks everyone for your posts and comments over the years. This game is already over in my mind and I've stated my intent to resign from the game to Bart in an e-mail.

PDU-off and facing a Sir Robin was a gamebreaker for me, and the resulting disinterest and frustration has made my position untenable. I have too much yet to learn, but I won't learn anything from this PBEM with my current level of frustration. I thought I could, but can't any longer. The last turn was the final straw. I hate to resign, but as many of you have said, life is too short to commit to something you are not enjoying. I am following that advice.

Thanks again, and I wish you all better gaming experiences than I've had.

Joseph

[SqzMyLemon]

Bart has suggested that I think things over, and suggested I take a week to allow for a chance to reconsider. He by no means is suggesting I do so, but is allowing me that option. Bart's been a great guy over the course of the time we've played, he's put up with my vents and has always been nothing but polite and considerate. He understands my frustration and lack of fun factor with the game right now, and knows it hasn't developed as we both probably would have liked. He also acknowledges how the last few days could be frustrating for me, but indicates it hasn't been too bad either, and he has a point.

Everyone who follows this AAR, knows by now I can be rather implusive and let my emotions get the better of me at times. I admit that things are deeper on my end then the game itself. It's probably a culmination of a lot of things going on in my life right now. I'm going to take that week and remove myself from the game to think things over.

One thing that would haunt me if I decide to end the game, is not securing the Solomons for Pax. To show I could do it. [:D]

Back in a week with a decision. Feel free to offer any thoughts be they positive or negative if so desired.

Joseph

[HansBolter]

I had to bite my tongue to keep from responding to your next to last post, but since you invited both positive and negative comment in the last post I'll go ahead and offer.

Your next to last post frustrated me to no end and was a prime example of why I don't play PBEM....Japanese players who are fair weather only players and who throw in the towel as soon as their year long to 18 month long escapade of totally superiority starts grinding to a close.

As for the logic of "life is too short to keep doing something you aren't enjoying" I am sure such advice came from a chorus of Japanese players. Stop and think thru the logic you invoke to rationalize quitting and see that no player would EVER play allies if they thought that way. When you ask some one to play Allies agaianst you you are asking them to accept doing something they know up front they aren't going to enjoy (dropping their pants so they can take a beating) in the hopes that they will have an oppurtunity to administer a beating in return once the tide finally turns.

By giving in to the "I don't need to be committed to something i am not enjoying" feelings you are disrespecting your allied opponent since that is exactly what you expected him to do. If you do decide to quit you rob him of the reward he expected for accepting the position of being on the receiving end in the first place.

My advice is "buck up laddy". Get over the dark despair of your dismal results and honor the committment your opponent made to you by accepting being on the receiving end on your behalf.

[SqzMyLemon]

Hans,

I know we don't see eye to eye on things, but I thank you for your post and I understand what you are saying. However, implying I'm comtemplating quitting because my opponent is finally playing the game and my good times are over is unfair in my opinion and is missing the point entirely.

I was robbed of my "good times" by virtue of the Sir Robin strategy employed by my opponent. I faced no opposition whatsoever after the fall of Java and for the next 6 months I saw nothing larger than a DD. In light of that I don't feel I owe the Allied player anything. I could pull a Sir Robin-san and deny him his "good times" just as easily.

This isn't a decision I'm taking lightly and I do realize there is a contract of sorts when two players agree to play. However, it's still a game, and PDU-Off is not a fun game for Japan. I'm shackled with obsolete aircraft for much of the war, and I feel strongly that it prevents a Japanese player's ability to challenge the Allies beyond a historical perimeter. It rings too close to a simulation and not a game in my opinion. In hindsight, if I was playing a Scenario 1 game, but with PDU-On, I'd feel I'd still have a chance. Note, I did not say Scenario 2 as you assume every Japanese PBEM player wants to play. Also, we both have learned a lot in this game, and Bart understands my lack of experience with playing Japan has contributed to the problems I'm facing now. Japan simply can't make strategic mistakes in this game and recover, the Allies can and do.

To your "buck up laddy" and get over the dark despair comment and honour the commitment my opponent made to me, what about his commitment to me in the game? He pulled a Sir Robin and ran, he never took the beating you say all Allied players endure. The forum is full of Allied players avoiding this beating you say is mandatory. You know your comment simply does not apply to many PBEM games, and some of the best Allied players with aggressive play avoid it all together.

However, this isn't about who did or didn't commit to taking a beating first or last, as you seem to think it should be. This is about two people being engaged and sharing a fun and challenging gaming experience over a period of years of their lives. So unless you've unlocked the secret to longevity, yes life is too short to engage in something you are not enjoying. I've stuck it out as long as I could. PBEM is all about compatibility and complementing play styles, some work out, others don't.

One last thing, you are not me, nor are you Bart. We've had some ups and downs over the last few years to be sure, but overall we've given this a fair shot. His e-mail to me today in response to my intention of resigning was very supportive and I got the sense he understood where I was coming from. I'm sure he is disappointed and let down in some measure. However, in light of things, you really have no right to chastise me. You were not a part of, nor privy, to this contract so to speak, and it's really not your place to judge anyone. A far as disrespecting Bart, I disagree. I think I'd be disrespecting him by continuing. This will free him to concentrate on his game with Erkki and look for another more promising matchup is he so desires.

I didn't respond to your post to start an argument or even a dialogue. You've said your peace and now I have said mine.

Respectively

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

One thing that would haunt me if I decide to end the game, is not securing the Solomons for Pax. To show I could do it. [:D]

Joseph,

Take your time, get the other things worked out. This game is by no means hopeless. Challenging? Sure. Going the way either of us would plan? Not a chance. But then that's how a lot of things are, including life.

Me? I don't have a PBEM going because I now have a 2 year old son. Didn't plan it for now, but here he is. Oh well, how do they say it? Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.

Look forward to you coming back and showing me how to change a strategy in mid-stride. [;)]

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

One thing that would haunt me if I decide to end the game, is not securing the Solomons for Pax. To show I could do it. [:D]

Joseph,

Take your time, get the other things worked out. This game is by no means hopeless. Challenging? Sure. Going the way either of us would plan? Not a chance. But then that's how a lot of things are, including life.

Me? I don't have a PBEM going because I now have a 2 year old son. Didn't plan it for now, but here he is. Oh well, how do they say it? Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.

Look forward to you coming back and showing me how to change a strategy in mid-stride. [;)]

Thanks as always Pax.

This is my last post for a week or so while I decide what to do. It's not the challenge or loss I'm afraid of. It's just the culmination of a lot of little things that have bothered me over the course of the game, and then the whole problem of having learned so much since we started and not being in a position to apply it any longer in a strategic sense. Contrary to what many may think, my standing on the forum is important to me, and I'd hate to get a reputation as being unreliable. This isn't an easy decision for me.

I also truly dislike PDU off. It's not the game experience I wanted with Japan. If I knew how limiting it would be, I'd never have started the PBEM. I would gladly play Scenario 1 again, but only with PDU on. And KB recently attacking those PT's at Ndeni just pushed me over the edge.

Give me a week. I'll talk to Bart and see what we decide to do. I guess if I was optimistic, I'd suggest a restart with the same sides and settings, just PDU on. I'll think about it and see if Bart would be interested, otherwise I think it may be best for my mental health to end this one.

Joseph

[HansBolter]

I'm sorry you feel the way you do. I thank you for your civil response as I usually get nothing but vitriol from Japanese players when I try to remind them of their obligation to thier opponent.

I am also sorry you seem to have the impression you do of the Sir Robin strategy. Do you really feel that it is ok for Japanese players to take their attack machine and aim it at any and every nonhistorical site while expanding the empire way, way beyond any semblence of historical limitations but it's not ok for the allied player to respond in kind by evacuating his assets from the path of the juggernaut? It smacks of a desire for a patsy and not an opponent.

I do recognize that PDU off in scenario 1 can be a very tough challenge for a Japanese player and especially for an inexperienced Japanese player. I commend you for at least giving it a try.

[fcharton]

Hi Joseph,

Please do take a while to mull this over. Playing as Japan is frustrating, we all knew it from start. But it is only 43, your opponent is having some success, but you're far from desperate. You have a navy, you're doing fine in China, and your opponent's cautiousness will sure play in your hands in the long run. Yeah, you'll lose in the end, that's what playing Japan is all about, but there's more to this game than success. It is, as the Buddhists say, a journey without a goal.

About dropping the game, having been there, and done that, and regretted it, I think the main reason why you should reconsider is NOT the gentleman agreement between you and your opponent (he most certainly knows where you stand, and can sympathize) but the fact that such a long game is hard to come by. You can drop, sure, but what then? Most campaign attempts are short lived, a one year old and still alive campaign is quite something.

Francois

[ny59giants]

I'm a few months ahead of Joseph playing Japan in late May '43 using Scenario 2. I have made some mistakes as this is my first game to get '43 as Japan. I've lost others and resigned due to some serious mistakes. I had played JuanG's mod with extra CVs, but failed to take Palembang and Singapore in a timely manner. My lack of oil and fuel brought me to end it by mid-'42.

It took multiple games to learn the beginning as Japan. Thankfully, I have always played with PDU option ON. I have made airframe and engine choices that have cost me extra supplies to this point. IMO, playing your first PBEM as Japan should be by using Scenario 2 as it gives Japan a few extra benefits for a newbie like me. [:D] Thankfully, my opponent is a newbie and he lost too many CVs to date, so I should get into late war unless I do something stupid, which is always a possibility. [;)]

Right now I need help in figuring out how not to die by 1000 paper cuts that is the Allied sub fleet. the damn things pop up here, sink a transport or escort and disappear. The Type 95 depth charge is useless, but I continue on knowing I need to learn things in the game for the next time I play Japan.

If Joseph needs a new game and opponent, I would probably apply. This game is my way to relax, even when it gets frustrating.

[crsutton]

A few comments.

I agree that playing scen #1 with PDU off is a bad deal for the Japanese player unless he is mentally ready to absorb a historical whacking.

Although I don't think it is necessary at all given scen#1 with PDU off, the sir robin is a viable Allied strategy and can be exploited by the Japanese player to his benefit. There is a counter to any strategy in the game. Don't hold this against your opponent because of his play style-it is not fair to him. Just look upon it as a learning experience and note what you will do differently next time because your next opponent might just do the same.

That said, I think you are about to enter one of the most interesting phases of the campaign. That is early to mid 43 when the forces are approximately equal but with a slow Allied resurrection. Even though you as the Japanese player are going to go over to the defensive, it is a very fine time and both players can have fun, deal out some damage, and learn a lot more about the game. More so than if you were to start over.

A restart is not a bad idea if you opponent agrees. However, I see nothing wrong about extending your contract with him-say in a block of 4-6 months with the option to extend it afterwards. You are passing up on a great time to play the game and try out some new things.

If your carrier losses have not been high then KB is actually stronger than the Allied carrier fleet until about July of 43. The British CVs are all gone and aside from the Exxex he gets no carriers until then. Saratoga just took two fish and suffered a massive explosion which probably means 4-5 months in the yard and you sunk a few CVEs which are still scarce at this point. Give it some thought. I think you are really robbing yourself of another year of very fun play and some valuable experience. I would not give much thought about victory or victory conditions. Try to set in your mind what you would consider an accomplishment for the next six months and then go for it.

I have two campaigns going and love them both. However as the Allied player, I found 1942 to be the most exciting time as that is when I had to play my best and every little thing mattered. My good opponents gave me no slack. I still am having fun but the game is not as interesting to me now that I hold the advantage in 44. I miss the excitement of 1942. You might discover that trying to parrying the Allied counter strokes will be a lot more fun than you think.

[SqzMyLemon]

Thanks for the posts everyone.

I've sent an e-mail to Bart stating my intention to continue the game. I won't go into my reasons for doing so other than to say it doesn't feel right to quit. I'm just waiting to hear back in case there are any issues to address before we resume. We'll also be upgrading to the latest official update.

The last turn was a huge disappointment, but I'll see if I can move forward from here. I have not decided whether to commit KB to pursuing the retiring American CV's or to concentrate on enemy shipping around Lunga. I'm sure a mass exodus will be ordered, but there is also the possibility Bart will send his carriers back towards Lunga to engage KB. I'll be working on the turn tonight so I have some time to think on it. This could be a very big turn for my forces, IF things go as planned and more importantly as ordered.

The plan from here on out is to limit my comments about combat results, or even trying to interpret them. I don't need the stress. Some suggestions for improving my results have been offered and I'll see what I can do. I plan on letting the game create the drama from here on out. It does a good enough job without any additional effort on my part.

Thanks for following and the support to continue. I'm still not sure I'm making the right decision, but as suggested 1943 has the potential to be an action packed year. How fun it will be...has yet to be determined.

Joseph

[PaxMondo]

Whoo-Hoo!!!  Welcome back brother!! 
 
[&o][&o][&o]

[SqzMyLemon]

Next turn is sent.

Bart indicated he didn't know my CV's were around the Solomons, as he was relying on submarines to provide a screen to detect KB. That sort of makes the last turn even harder to take. I had him dead to rights and my forces blew it. [:(]

Tough call on whether to pursue the American's CV's, attack enemy naval forces at Lunga or withdraw. Did I risk it all on a chance to inflict a serious defeat on the Allied Fleet, or play smart by retiring the Combined Fleet after surprise was lost and the first naval strikes were a dismal failure?

A question for everyone who cares to answer. What would you do faced with a similiar situation?

I should probably post a screenshot showing the dispositions, but I'm going to remain dark until the turn is run. There are 35+ enemy vessels at Lunga with the Combined Fleet 4 hexes away, the American CV's are about 8-10 hexes south of Lunga. If Bart moves his CV's back towards Lunga...it could be an interesting turn. Would he risk his carriers? Would you? Lunga shows 80% airfield damage, so I don't think there is a danger of Allied LBA being deployed at the base this turn.

Stay tuned, and find out whether I'm a hero, a goat or neither tomorrow. [:D]

[PaxMondo]

Well, you're asking and even though I've already said, I'll say it again.  [;)]

I wouldn't go in. 

He's gonna have fighters at Lunga pretty quick.  One, two turns if he's prepped and Bart is the type of player who would be prepped.  Once he get fighters there, you are overmatched.  I don't think he's gonna bring his CV's any closer, no reason to unless he wants to meet you and when he does it means (to me) that he has LBA cover for his carriers.  It might look like you could go straight in now before he has LBA at Lunga, but right now you can only come from one direction that is easily predictable and will be defended against.  To be effective, you need to come from either east or west (he can't be strong everywhere yet) and know exactly where he is (from either Mavis or Glen patrols) but that circling move will take you 2 -3 days (or more) and by then he has fighters at Lunga.  And if he detects you (50:50), you would have to abort anyway.


You're not set up to defend the Solomons, so don't.  Nothing forces you to do so.

You need to get your exit plan for both PM and Rabaul moving now (since you did not plan to defend the Solomon's, you should have had one.  In case you don't, take the time now to get one in place and execute it.  [;)]).  He'll have 4E's at Lunga in about 2 weeks.  Once he does, your retreat will be very difficult and costly which is exactly his plan.  Don't play his game, play yours.  You need to use the next 45 - 90 days to get your Marshall and Gilbert (or maybe Caroline/Marianas) defenses tuned up and in place.

With Tabiteuea(SP?) already taken, I'm not sure you can hold them.  It was a real smart, bold move on Barts part to take it early.  It puts all the Gilberts and Marshalls under 4E range.

Honestly, I think your next big fight will be either the Carolines or the Mariana's.  I would bet the Marianas.  I think he will follow history and bypass the Carolines.  By big fight, I mean opportunity for you to catch his CV's with your KB while you are under LBA and he isn't.  He might switch up and try for the DEI instead ... you need to have your pickets and patrols really active from there.

Remember, your goal here with the KB is to catch his CV's and bloody them. He has to repair them/get new ones to be able to restart his offensive. That buys you time. Your opportunity for this best presents itself whenever he has to force a landing without LBA cover. Until B-29's arrive, this is most every new group. Once the B-29 arrives, you still have to do this, but your odds are not nearly as good. Second, B-29 can't beat you, they can only hurt. He doesn't get enough of them to beat you. What beats you is when he gets B24/B17 in range. He gets a LOT of those, particularly in 45.

Lastly, you are the IJ. Sorry, some bad news here. You are going to lose. [;)] The way I play is to set a time goal and see if I can attain/beat it. Yeah, you're not at the best position right now. Pfft! Who cares!?! You're not Nemo or PzB; well neither am I. Us mortals just have to mosey along best we can. My goal right now would be to make it to Feb 45. I think with careful play, a bit of luck, maybe an oops or two on Bart's part you can do that. [:D]

Go! Fight! Win! (at least until Feb 45!)

[&o][&o][&o]

PS: heck, you can teach me how to last until June 46 with this starting position! [:D][:D][:D]

[crsutton]

It depends on your carrier air losses. If you have not lost many planes and don't need to replenish, then I would go after the Allied carriers. But as Pax says just be wary of Allied LBA. I firmly believe that the best opportunity to hit and cripple the Allied carrier fleet is between now and April 1943. The KB will never be in a better position strength wise to take on the Allied fleet. Although you will get some new carriers later the flow will not come close to keeping pace with the flow of new Allied carriers. And the hellcat arrives in April and totally reverses the carrier fighter equation.

I speak as an Allied player but fail to see why JFBs try so hard to preserve their carriers during this period. A large carrier battle even if you trade carriers will cripple the Allied carrier force until late 43. This buys the Japanese player six crucial months in time. If Saratoga is crippled and you have killed no other Allied carriers then there are only five fleet carriers. Sink or damage them now-even with the same damage to your fleet and the Allies just have very few invasion options into the face of your LBA. However, if the Allies have their carriers intact, they can always find a place away from the KB to pull off invasions in early 43.

As an Allied player I think that the best Japanese players are ready and willing to lose ships when it will buy them time. No matter how many carriers you have in 1944, there just becomes a point where they are redundant and not as effective. The Allied carrier fleet will never be any weaker than it is now. One other consideration. The Allied carrier aircraft replacement rates are so low that even a non conclusive battle will hamper him due to his small pools. I had two large but inclusive battles with my IJN opponent in early 43. Neither of us lost a single carrier but my loss of fighters and SBDs put my American carriers in port for three months.

[SqzMyLemon]

The Combined Fleet made a futile gesture in trying to come to grips with the enemy and it was another disappointing day for Japanese forces. As anticipated, the Allies withdrew in face of overwhelming odds...successfully. KB sank a few SC's. Japanese submarines ran across a few enemy warships and...missed, as usual. There were a couple of inconclusive surface engagements which I had hoped would slow the Allied withdrawal and provide some hard targets for KB during the air phases, but that didn't happen.

Bart may be good, but he's also lucky. He should have been hammered the previous turn when KB arrived and I'd have been picking off the stragglers today. Instead, he caught a huge break and was able to exploit it.

One thing that was surprising, was he did indeed deploy CAP to Lunga. The airfield shows 68% damage after today, so I honestly didn't expect him to risk deploying fighters so soon. I hit Ndeni with a naval bombardment, as I was going to be within LBA range from that base and almost assigned a naval bombardment to Lunga, but as mentioned, I figured the base would be empty of aircraft. Kudos to Bart for moving them in, shame on me for being complacent and not whacking the base. I would have caught Corsair's, Spitfire's and Warhawk's on the ground. Another missed opportunity on my part, but this one is self-induced. I can deal with that.

Not impressed with any Japanese CAP or escorts today. Small numbers of Allied planes caused a disproportionate amount of damage to my air units.

KB and the Combined Fleet will retire in shame after accomplishing absolutely nothing. Bart is good, but I'm not putting him on a pedestal quite yet. He dodged a bullet, plain and simple. He should count himself extremely fortunate to have lost only a few CVE's, DE's, SC's and some transports the previous day.

I highly doubt I'll be seeing the Allied Fleet prior to Lunga reaching a level 8 airfield. He doesn't need to risk anything prior to his carriers receiving Hellcat's. I do expect an effort to get a CD gun unit to the base, and I expect he'll be attempting to lay minefields now as well. I'm whacking the airfield as I retire, but I'm sure the CAP will be withdrawn anticipating the move since bombarding Ndeni will have tipped him off to the danger.

The AI really can start changing it up here. I still get the sense nothing I do matters, the AI simply is not giving me better results. The VAL attacks against numerous Sub Chaser TF's left much to be desired, especially when my CL and DD's got clobbered days before from dive bomber attack and they are much harder targets to hit. I'm still waiting to catch a break when I do something right.

I'll post the combat report later.

[Dante Fierro]

I've just finished reading a good part of this AAR thread - thanks for all the posts Lemon & thread. You have a great way of summing up and laying out your strategies - rather than simply copy/paste battle reports. I like that. Hard to believe one single AE game lasts as long as it does! [X(]

On the Sir Robin strategy. I thought about this for awhile and you do wonder if the strategy would be historically valid - or is a sort of manipulation of the game mechanics. Simply not to fight at all and run wherever you can. This coupled with what appears on the surface to be your bad luck in some important battles - doesn't put you in the best position right now.

I also think the "Sir Robin" strategy takes deliberate advantage of your NOOB status to the game. i.e. it seems to be the perfect strategy to deploy against a IJ player that is getting into the ring for the first time. That is - it reduces the risks of Allied mistakes - while depending on the IJ player to kind of defeat himself - by making common NOOB mistakes in the beginning - such as not managing industry and transport very efficiently, being more slow at amphibious operations than an experienced IJ player would be, etc. So what happens with "Sir Robin" - is kind of double whammy for a fairly inexperienced IJ player:

1) The Allied player takes a lot less risks in beginning turns, bides his time while the new IJ player - because of his inexperience - weakens himself more than an experienced IJ player would - for the later game turns - so the Allied player gains a decent advantage simply by doing very little in the beginning (relatively speaking)
2) There is also the psychological advantage here. The Allied player has been not putting cards on the table - simply biding his time - waiting - before really coming back with a large tide of force. Also he has the advantage of watching how you operate, how you have been handling your TFs etc. So you have this sword hanging over you now for some time - and now it's beginning to fall. Although - granted - this is the nature of Pacific War - i.e. the tide slowly goes out for the IJ player - then comes in for the Allied player - but the "Sir Robin" strategy kind of END FILLs the latter half of the "coming in" for Allied player - i.e. the latter half of game is where the real fight starts. Again - I think this especially puts a fairly inexperienced IJ player at more of a disadvantage - because it would require much more long-term thinking and planning and more experience with the game mechanics etc.

So your opponent did indeed exploit your weaknesses. He also used a valid Allied Strategy that does seem ahistorical - to exploit your inexperience, but a valid strategy nevertheless. That's what you do in war.

I can see why you would want to resign. And tbh - it is likely your odds for winning may not be the best right now. Although never say never. The honorable thing to do is definitely to play out the game IMO. Your opponent has done everything above board. And also, this is your first dip into the pool so to speak. You do kind of have to view it as a learning experience. Probably best thing to do is change your mindset and realize the tables are now turned - and see what you can learn as the IJ player given the disadvantage you're in. Even if losing is now likely - you can still learn much.

And also - why not just start another game on the side (without AAR) with some other new opponent. That way - you won't feel like this game is the do or die - be all - end all - of AE. [:D]

My two cents!

[SqzMyLemon]

First off Dante Fierro, let me say welcome to the AAR and I'm glad you have enjoyed it so far, rants notwithstanding. Thanks for posting.

To everyone.

I brought up the Sir Robin comments to answer Hans Bolter, to try and help him understand my frame of mind regarding the strategy and how it contributed to my almost withdrawing from the game. It wasn't my intention to further the discussion or rehash what's already been said. Everyone that reads this AAR knows my feelings on the strategy and that hasn't changed. I admit that it completely threw me off and I have never recovered from it. Lets just leave it at that. I'm trying to move forward here, the Sir Robin strategy isn't why I face my current predicament. My inattention to the game and lack of interest is. I just want to make that clear.

As I said to Bart in a recent e-mail, it isn't about winning the game. It hasn't been for a long time. Crsutton and others are correct in saying I shouldn't blame Bart for the choice of strategy, it was my inability to counter it that was the problem. That's on me.

Right now, it's just an incredibly frustrating time. I'm putting my forces into play, and the results are just not happening. I realize the momentum is with the Allies, it's actually been that way for months. What is discouraging is the fact we are still at parity, with a slight edge to me in carriers, but the results the last few days have been subpar at best. I don't think there is a Japanese player on the forum that wouldn't have been disappointed in the combat results over the last few days. These are my best units and they've been relatively unscathed the entire war, yet are performing badly when engaging the enemy, for whatever reasons.

As to another PBEM, I do have one going and enjoying it. I can apply many lessons I've learned, but one thing stands out. My opponent has tested me from day one, and I have immense respect for him in doing so. That will make me a better player, unlike taking empty bases and trying to develop sound tactics in the complete absence of any meaningful combat until recently, as in this game.

So please, I get it about the Sir Robin. I get it why my situation is so bad. I just want to move forward and do the best I can. A little help from the AI would certainly be appreciated, but that is out of my control. I'll continue trying to improve, and perhaps the results will reflect that in the future. I doubt it at this stage, but I will continue the attempt.

Joseph

[Dante Fierro]

>> First off Dante Fierro, let me say welcome to the AAR

Thx Lemon. Hurrah for you sticking it out.! PS: Just started reading your opponent's AAR. It's an eye opener. I think it will be illuminating to you once your game plays itself out. On the side: I find part of the fascination of playing these games is not only the challenge of the game itself - but sometimes what you end up learning about yourself! Regards.

[SqzMyLemon]

Jan. 26/43:

Sub Ops:

SS I-5 whiffs against the damaged CL St. Louis, missing with four torpedoes near Rennell Island. She takes one direct and four near miss DC hits in return.

SS S-36 misses the E Sagi near Ontong Java. The E Kiji hits her with only one direct DC hit in a sustained ASW attack.

SS I-15 misses the damaged and burning DD Gridley with six torpedoes near Koumac.

Is there anyone out there that wouldn't be disappointed with these continuing outright misses? As I said, I put my forces into play just like my opponent does. The only difference is he scores hits, but suffering from duds which are hard coded. What's the excuse for my forces? The Captains ate bad sushi and were off their game? [8|]

Naval Ops:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 26, 43
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,139, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Matsukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Oite, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 1
DD Henley
DD Wilson
DD Fanning
DD Selfridge, Shell hits 1, on fire

Improved night sighting under 71% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 71% moonlight: 11,000 yards

This TF was ordered to Lunga to try and delay Allied ships leaving and reduce their Ops points so KB might have a shot at them in the air phases. I could have scuttled the DD Oite, but kept her afloat to act as a shell magnet.

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,139, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yunagi, Shell hits 3

Allied Ships
CA Australia
CL Boise
DD Fletcher
DD Chevalier
DD Waller

Improved night sighting under 71% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 71% moonlight: 11,000 yards

Same as above.

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 120,143, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Hyuga
CL Sendai
CL Tatsuta
DD Shimakaze

Allied Ships
PT-42
PT-66
PT-67
PT-68
PT-73
PT-74
PT-75
PT-76
PT-77
PT-78

Improved night sighting under 71% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 71% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Parish, M.H. gains tactical advantage
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-67 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-66 at 10,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-42 at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-42 at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-78 at 6,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 6,000 yards
PT-78 engages CL Sendai at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-77 at 4,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 4,000 yards
PT-75 engages CL Tatsuta at 4,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 4,000 yards
PT-73 engages CL Sendai at 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-67 at 4,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-66 at 4,000 yards
PT-42 engages CL Tatsuta at 4,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 4,000 yards
PT-74 engages CL Tatsuta at 4,000 yards
PT-68 engages CL Tatsuta at 4,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-66 at 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-42 at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-78 at 5,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-68 at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-75 at 8,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-73 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-67 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-66 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-42 at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-75 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-74 at 10,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-68 at 10,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-67 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-66 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-42 at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-67 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-66 at 8,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-75 at 8,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-68 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-67 at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-77 at 11,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 11,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-74 at 11,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-73 at 11,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-67 at 11,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-66 at 11,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-42 at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 12,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-77 at 12,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-78 at 12,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 12,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-68 at 12,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-67 at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 9,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-68 at 9,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-42 at 9,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 9,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-78 at 9,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-42 at 9,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-74 at 9,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-42 at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-75 at 10,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-73 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-67 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-42 at 10,000 yards
Task forces break off...

I attempted to bombard Ndeni's airbase anticipating a possible naval strike against Combined Fleet during the air phases. I would have been better served hitting Lunga's instead. My forces pounded away at the PT's for some time. Why the ammo was wasted when the primary mission was bombard and the PT's were beyond torpedo range is beyond me. At least no torpedo hits were recorded as I sent these BB's in lightly screened. I got lucky.

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Night Naval bombardment of Ndeni at 120,143 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

15 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 3
BB Yamashiro
CL Sendai

Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

BB Hyuga firing at 8th Marine Defense Battalion
8th Marine Defense Battalion firing at BB Hyuga
F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Yamashiro
8th Marine Defense Battalion firing at BB Yamashiro
BB Yamashiro firing at 8th Marine Defense Battalion
CL Sendai firing at 5th Marine Regiment

The bombardment didn't even hit the air base. I hate when this happens and a player has zero control over it. A waste of ammo, fuel and time.

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Kirakira at 114,145, Range 17,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 1
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Asagiri
DD Sagiri, Shell hits 2
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 3
DD Craven, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Gridley, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD McCall, Shell hits 2, heavy fires

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 17,000 yards
Hirata M. crosses the 'T'
CL Natori engages CL St. Louis at 17,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD McCall at 17,000 yards
DD McCall engages DD Sagiri at 17,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Asagiri at 17,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Craven at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages CL Natori at 11,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD McCall at 11,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD McCall at 11,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Sagiri at 11,000 yards
DD McCall engages DD Ayanami at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages CL Natori at 9,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD McCall at 9,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Gridley at 9,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Ayanami at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL St. Louis at 8,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Craven at 8,000 yards
CL Natori engages DD Gridley at 8,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Gridley at 8,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Craven at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages CL Natori at 10,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Yugiri at 10,000 yards
DD Gridley engages DD Sagiri at 10,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Sagiri at 10,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Ayanami at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages CL Natori at 14,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD McCall at 14,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Gridley at 14,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Craven at 14,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Craven at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages CL Natori at 18,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Gridley at 18,000 yards
DD Gridley engages DD Sagiri at 18,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Craven at 18,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD McCall at 18,000 yards
Range increases to 22,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL St. Louis at 22,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages DD Sagiri at 22,000 yards
DD McCall engages DD Asagiri at 22,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages DD Ayanami at 22,000 yards
Range increases to 24,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages CL Natori at 24,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages DD Yugiri at 24,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages DD Ayanami at 24,000 yards
Range increases to 28,000 yards
Rood, G. orders Allied TF to disengage
Task forces break off...

Japanese forces gave a good account of themselves here.

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Tulagi at 114,137, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
SC-517
SC-518
SC-519
SC-520

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 9,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 6,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat

I expected more.

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,138, Range 19,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Natori
DD Ayanami, on fire
DD Asagiri
DD Sagiri, on fire
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
SC-699
SC-700
SC-703
SC-704

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 21,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
CL Natori engages SC-699 at 19,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-703 at 19,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages SC-703 at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-704 at 16,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-703 at 16,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages SC-704 at 16,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages SC-703 at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-704 at 13,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-700 at 13,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-699 at 13,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages SC-704 at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-699 at 10,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-703 at 10,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-700 at 10,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages SC-703 at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-704 at 8,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-703 at 8,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-700 at 8,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages SC-699 at 8,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages SC-700 at 8,000 yards
Hirata M. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 12,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages SC-704 at 12,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-703 at 12,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-700 at 12,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages SC-699 at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages SC-703 at 18,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages SC-700 at 18,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages SC-703 at 18,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages SC-704 at 18,000 yards
Task forces break off...

I expected more...again.

Air Ops:

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 114,137

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
SC-517
SC-518
SC-520

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VMF-213 with F4U-1 Corsair (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 114,148

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3a Zero x 11
D3A1 Val x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
SC-522
SC-640, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SC-637

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 114,139

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
D3A1 Val x 27

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
SC-704
SC-703, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SC-700
SC-699, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.452 Sqn RAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Rennell Island at 113,142

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
A6M3a Zero x 39

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Ichimura B. in a A6M2 Zero makes head on attack ... forces B-17E Fortress out of formation

The numbers are misleading, 27 fighters were airborne providing CAP at the time of the attack. At one point, when the first CAP reinforcements arrived followed by another 20-30 fighters, not one more attack was directed at the enemy bombers. There was no post-air attack launched. So 2/3rd's of my fighters never fired a shot.

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 114,137

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 11
F4U-1 Corsair x 6


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
SC-520
SC-517
SC-518

Kudo's to Bart for providing CAP at Lunga. I get the bonehead award for ignoring the possiblity and not making him pay with naval bombardments against the airbase. I might have whacked a lot of fighters on the ground. I continue to let Bart of lightly when given the chance to capitilize on his mistakes. Of course there is no guarantee the bombardments would have targeted the airbase and not the ground troops instead.

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 114,139

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
A6M3a Zero x 33
D3A1 Val x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
SC-700, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SC-704, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
15 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

As disappointing as it was to just hit Sub Chasers today, at least there are fewer for my submarines to face. This entire 4 ship enemy TF was destroyed in the series of attacks today. There were still too many Sub Chasers that got away today for my liking. The gunnery and martial spirit of my SCTF's was abysmal.

China:

Chinese ground forces S.W. of Tuyun are bombed daily in preparation for the coming ground assault in a few weeks.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Keijo expands airfield to size 5
Ichang expands airfield to size 3
Sining expands fortifications to size 2

Device Mitsubishi Ha-43 advances R&D

Allied:

Madurai expands airfield to size 8

Thoughts:

So in all, a rather disappointing day. The poor performance of my forces is across the board, involving all branches of the services. I can't explain it. I'm not happy with it of course, but will continue to put my forces into play and try to improve conditions for success.

Future strategy dictates some unconventional moves on my part. I can play safe and delay the inevitable slow death of Japan, or I can think outside the box and play...differently. I fear with a lodgement in both the Gilbert and Solomon Island chains, the Allied Fleet can retire and advance under LBA rather than commit to any high risk activity until mid 1943. I think I need to force them into operations to support these lodgements where I may bloody them and test their resolve.

I completely agree with crsutton, I won't have any better opportunity to inflict losses on the Allied Fleet and waiting is not an option. Alfred also made a post in Criptop's AAR that struck a nerve. At this point, a Japanese "Fleet in Being" strategy as a deterent is no longer applicable. The Combined Fleet sitting at Truk or the DEI will not delay or stop the Allies advancing under cover of LBA.

There's a massive Allied force at Shwebo just waiting to break out, when it does I'll be hard pressed to hold. If I am going to accomplish anything defensively this game, it is now. I'm going to use the Combined Fleet to delay the Allied advance as long as possible and force the Allies to react to me for a change.

Sorry Pax, I hear everything you say and it's a smart strategy, IF I was better prepared. I'm not. So I'll have to play by the seat of my pants in an effort to create some openings I can exploit. I had the Allies dead to rights a turn ago, I have to try again and hope for better results. Waiting and trying to defend the smart way won't change anything and that will frustrate me to no end.

I'm going to lose. I'm ok with that, but I'm going to go out on my own terms.

Stay tuned.